Rambaut Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Rambaut Dam, located in Bergen County, New Jersey, was completed in 1908 and serves as a recreational site along Goffel Brook.


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Summary

With a height of 11 feet and a length of 90 feet, this concrete dam has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 12 acres. Despite its age, the dam has been state-regulated, inspected, and permitted by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to ensure its safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

The primary purpose of Rambaut Dam is recreational, providing opportunities for locals and visitors to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. However, its current condition assessment is noted as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and potential rehabilitation efforts to ensure its long-term viability. The dam's hazard potential is classified as low, but regular inspections are crucial to monitor any changes in its structural integrity and prevent any potential risks to downstream communities.

Congressional District 05's representative, Josh S. Gottheimer, oversees this dam in Wyckoff Township, exemplifying the importance of collaboration between government agencies and private owners in managing critical water resources. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the preservation and maintenance of dams like Rambaut Dam play a vital role in sustaining ecosystems and providing recreational opportunities for future generations.

Year Completed

1908

Dam Length

90

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

Goffel Brook

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

12

Drainage Area

1.7

Nid Storage

60

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

11
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.